Zhao Si, though unfamiliar with Song Mo, fully supported Dou Zhao’s choice and even prepared a generous dowry for her. Zhao Zhangru, delighted by her father’s return, had a heart-to-heart conversation with him, which reassured Dou Zhao. With Zhao Si’s flourishing official career and plans to retire to a newly acquired estate, his life seemed blessed.
Meanwhile, Song Mo persisted in digging for the bracelet, despite Yan Chaoqing advising him to focus on wedding preparations. Song Mo understood that Dou Zhao’s casual remark about the bracelet being unimportant actually indicated its deep significance to her. During the excavation, they found a cloth used to cover a wine jar, leading Song Mo to investigate if the area had been used as a military base in the past, suspecting that prior floods might have washed away the bracelet.
That night, Chen Jia sneaked into the Dou estate and had a scuffle with Zhao Zhangru. Upon learning Zhao Zhangru’s identity, Chen Jia entrusted her with a package for Dou Zhao and Song Mo, congratulating them on their wedding. However, when the package was opened, the jade inside was broken. Zhao Zhangru realized she had accidentally shattered it during their fight.
On the wedding day, Song Mo arrived late, missing the auspicious hour. Dou Zhao, unfazed, calmly ate her meal, confident that Song Mo had a good reason for the delay. Just as the guests grew anxious, Song Mo arrived, disheveled and determined, insisting on seeing Dou Zhao despite protests. Through the door, Dou Zhao saw Song Mo’s tightly closed eyes as he asked her to extend her hand. He slipped the jade bracelet onto her wrist, revealing his injured hand. Song Mo explained that he had retrieved the bracelet from Dong Qi, who, in a fit of spite, had thrown it into a furnace. Song Mo burned his hand retrieving it.
Ignoring propriety, Dou Zhao rushed out to tend to Song Mo’s injuries. Zhao Si and Dou Shiying, watching the scene, felt reassured by the couple’s bond. The wedding procession was grand, with a ten-mile red dowry that impressed all onlookers. Wang Yingxue, consumed by jealousy, secretly wrote to the Duke of Britain, attempting to tarnish Dou Zhao’s reputation and incite action against her.
However, the Duke, aware of Wang Yingxue’s schemes, dismissed her concerns and enthusiastically hosted the wedding. Princess Shude personally attended to congratulate the couple. At the same time, Su Su, a merchant’s daughter, brought gifts but was stopped at the door due to her status. Song Mo’s brother, Song Han, intervened, offering his handkerchief to Su Su to clean her face, resolving the situation gracefully.
During the wedding ceremony, Song Mo unveiled Dou Zhao’s face, completing the traditional rites. Princess Shude declared the wedding official and admired Song Mo for choosing someone truly special. Dou Zhao, grateful for Shude’s support, pulled her onto the wedding bed to follow an old custom, believing that someone like Shude, independent and carefree, embodied true happiness and blessings. Shude finally understood why Song Mo loved Dou Zhao so deeply.
Hearing of the wedding’s success, Wang Yingxue grew furious, lamenting that the Duke of Britain failed to act on her suggestions. Later, Song Mo joined the Crown Prince for a drink but feigned drunkenness to quickly return to Dou Zhao. His friend Gu Yu teased him for prioritizing his bride over his comrades.
Returning to their room, Song Mo found Dou Zhao watching the Crown Prince from a window as he discussed secret plans with several men. Song Mo warned Dou Zhao that the people outside were a mix of friends and foes. He then helped Dou Zhao remove her heavy bridal headdress, complimenting her beauty. Dou Zhao removed the ceremonial Records of the Zhao Era robe she wore and shared it with Song Mo, who dismissed political matters, focusing instead on their wedding night. Just as he leaned in to kiss her, Dou Zhao’s stomach growled. Amused, Song Mo prepared grilled fish for her.
As they sat by the fire, they reminisced about their tumultuous journey from enemies to partners. Dou Zhao teased Song Mo about his rumored skill of slicing live fish into 3,000 pieces without harming them. Laughing, Song Mo warned her it was too late for regrets. Their romantic moment was interrupted by Zhao Zhangru bursting in, sobbing. Song Mo, thinking she was upset, realized she was crying tears of joy for Dou Zhao’s happiness but lamenting her own inability to find a suitable match.
To cheer her up, Song Mo summoned the Golden Guards for Zhao Zhangru to choose a suitor, but none pleased her. When Dou Zhao asked if she had someone in mind, Zhao Zhangru thought of Chen Jia but denied her feelings. That night, Zhao Zhangru insisted on sharing Dou Zhao’s bed, leaving Song Mo to sleep in the study.
The next morning, Song Mo found Dou Zhao kneeling in the ancestral hall, paying respects to Jiang Huisun and recounting her and Song Mo’s struggles. She vowed to stand by him and face the future together. Overcome with emotion, Song Mo joined her, kneeling before his mother’s spirit and silently praying for her blessings over their union.
